When I think about the true cost of going it alone in property buying, I’m reminded of my mentor, Nathan. Today, Nathan is a highly successful property investor, owning shopping centers and commercial buildings. But his journey to success wasn’t smooth—it began with a painful lesson.
In the 1970s, Nathan was excited to buy his first property. Like many first-time buyers, he was eager and confident that he could handle it himself. Instead of seeking professional advice, he relied on a family member to help him navigate the process. He trusted their guidance completely, unaware that his family member had struck a side deal with the real estate agent to profit from the purchase.
Nathan ended up paying nearly double what the property was actually worth in cash. At the time, he didn’t realise how much he had overpaid—he thought he was getting a good deal. Over the next 7 years, he held onto the property, but things didn’t go as planned. Instead of growing in value, the property had stagnant growth left.
The experience was devastating. Nathan felt betrayed and disillusioned. He swore he would never buy another property again.
For years, he avoided the property market entirely. But deep down, Nathan knew the problem wasn’t real estate—it was the lack of professional guidance and the misplaced trust in someone who wasn’t acting in his best interest.
Determined to turn things around, Nathan eventually decided to give property another chance. This time, he sought professional advice, leaning on experts who had the knowledge and experience he lacked. With their help, Nathan rebuilt his confidence and began making informed decisions.
That decision changed everything. Over time, Nathan built a portfolio that now includes shopping centres and commercial buildings. His first purchase may have been a loss, but it taught him a valuable lesson: paying for professional advice isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in success.
Nathan’s story is a powerful reminder of the risks of going it alone or trusting the wrong people. Without expert guidance, you could face overpaying, choosing the wrong property, or overlooking hidden costs. These mistakes can cost tens of thousands of dollars—or more.
A buyer’s agent or mentor brings value that far outweighs their fees. They help you navigate the market with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and secure better deals and properties with growth potential.
Nathan learned this lesson the hard way, but you don’t have to.
